The sun began to set below the horizon, bathing the deck of the Solar Rift Pirate ship in an amber glow. The tranquility of the evening was disturbed only by the gentle lapping of waves against the hull, the wind blowing through the sails. For a moment, all was well—a moment of peace in the midst of uncertainty of the Grand Line.
Solian stood at the bow again, watching the vast sea stretch into the distance. The crew had been training non-stop, honing their abilities for the challenges ahead. Despite all their progress, a nagging sense of unease lingered in Solian's mind.
The Grand Line is not as peaceful as it looks, he thought. There are more dangers out there. And I'm sure the Marines are watching us.
As if on cue, a sudden voice cut through his thoughts.
"Captain!" Kael's voice called out behind him. "You might want to take a look at this."
Solian turned, his eyes narrowing. Kael was standing near the crow's nest, holding a small spyglass. His face was somber, the usual calm replaced by a hint of urgency.
"What is it?" Solian asked, walking over to the side of the ship.
"I've been scanning the horizon. Something's approaching," Kael replied, his eyes glued to the spyglass. "It's a Marine ship."
Solian's heart pounded. The Marines were also well represented on the Grand Line, and running into them this early in their journey wasn't coincidence. The Solar Rift Pirates had also made many influential figures take notice, and the Marines were no different. They weren't exactly a crew of notorious outlaws, but being present in this tumultuous sea would in time attract notice.
Sound the alarm, Solian ordered, his voice clear in the midst of the urgency.
A rush of tension coursed through him as the crew began to move into action, preparing for whatever was to come. Vance began to sharpen his blades, Jorin moved into defensive stance, and Lee sprang back onto his feet, ready for whatever would be coming next.
Solian took a sharp breath and spun to confront Kael. "How many hours until they're in range to fire?"
"Not more than a few," replied Kael. "But theirs is bigger than ours. It's a real warship.".
The crew had previously agreed on evading unnecessary notice in the Grand Line, but it seemed the Marines had otherwise. They were closing in on them, and soon Solian would have to decide how he should proceed about this confrontation. Should they just not fight back? Or was it time to stand one's ground?
The Approach of the Marines
The hours dragged, and the air was heavy with tension. The Marine ship had been spotted before, a great steel behemoth cutting through the water. It was a warship, clearly built for fighting and armed to the teeth. Solian couldn't help but shiver as it loomed larger in the distance.
In the meantime, he also felt something else—the familiar thrill that came with the prospect of combat. Solian had been ready for this moment. The crew was better as a whole, and now they were to be tested.
"It's time," Solian growled to himself.
The vessel drew in close, and the crew gathered on deck. There were over a dozen troops aboard, and Solian realized if they did not wish to engage in a struggle, then they must act rapidly. A Marine officer, one of superior rank, was probably in command of the vessel. This was no normal patrol.
Vance stepped out, his position relaxed, but his gaze acute. "Shall we get ready to fight, Captain?"
"We have no idea what they're after," replied Solian, trying to maintain his composure. "Let's listen to what they have to say."
The Marine ship pulled up beside, its massive hull casting a long shadow over the smaller Solar Rift ship. The Marines on board began to stand at deck line, some with rifles raised, others resting their hands on their blades. They were waiting, and they were expecting Solian to do something next.
One lone Marine officer stepped forward, a tall man with a chiseled jawline and cold, calculating eyes. His uniform was covered in the rank insignia of a high-ranking officer, a symbol of power. He exuded an aura of superiority about him, one which only succeeded in making Solian more wary.
"Solar Rift Pirates," the officer yelled, his voice ringing out over the water. "I have been instructed to warn you. The Marines are watching you."
Solian's eyes tightened. "A warning? From whom?"
The officer smiled. "You're being sought by the World Government, whether you know it or not. Your activities are under observation, and if you don't cease your activities in the Grand Line, you'll be taken into custody at sight. The Marines have no use for wayward pirates.".
Solian etched in his mind the words of the officer. He knew it would not be an easy stroll on the Grand Line, but he was coming to realize what the real situation was. They were not entering the unknown—they were stepping into a war-torn region where their very presence challenged the dynamics of the world.
Let me make one thing clear," the officer continued, his sneer never faltering. "If you wish to remain alive, I suggest you turn around now.".
Solian's eyes grew narrow, his heart racing as the officer's words sunk in. He had expected the Marines to catch up with them eventually, but to hear the threat on the ground made it all too real. This was the beginning of something bigger, something far more nefarious than anything they had ever faced.
A Stand at the Sea
Solian's heart thudded, but he would not let his face betray anything. He needed to remain calm. His crew looked at him expectantly, awaiting his decision. Would he turn back or face the Marines head-on?
"Tell me your name," Solian said coldly.
"lieutenant Orin," snapped the officer hurriedly. "And this is your final warning, Solar Rift Pirates.".
Solian let out a slow breath, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "We're not backing down. The Grand Line is ours just as much as it's yours. We'll do whatever it takes to make our mark."
The officer's smile faltered for a moment, and then he waved his hand. "So be it."
With quick movement, he gestured to his men. The Marines racked their guns, ready to shoot, their stance showing that they were prepared for war. The air was charged with tension.
"Vance, Kael, Jorin, Lee," Solian said quietly but firmly. "Let's give them an idea of what we're capable of."